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ECUMENISM, INTERFAITH SHARE GOALS

Ecumenism and interfaith share many of the same attributes and goals as guests at the February meeting of the Abilene Interfaith Council learned.

Dr. Douglas Foster

Guest speaker was Douglas Foster, professor of church history in the Graduate School of Theology and director of the Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian University.

Foster, a popular speaker at various venues in Abilene, spoke Feb. 12 on “The Global Ecumenical Movement.” Foster shared his PowerPoint presentation with Spirit of Abilene. Following are highlights:

ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH

1. Both proceed from a reconciling impulse.

2. Both embody goals of mutual understanding, respect and enrichment.

3. Both seek ways for religions to collaborate with one anther in response to common societal problems.

4. Ecumenism‘s unique goal is unity in faith and worship with all other Christians.

Ecumenism Has Existed for Many Centuries

Efforts to heal the East-West Schism have been ongoing.

The Institutional Ecumenical Movement Has Existed a Little Over a Century.

Important Dates in the History of the Ecumenical Movement

1908 Federal Council of Churches USA

1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference

1921 International Missionary Council

1925 after WWI—Life and Work Movement

1927 Faith and Order Movement

1948 (delayed by WWII) World Council

of Churches

7. 1950 National Council of Churches USA

Ecumenism Exists at Many Levels

World Level—World Council of Churches

National Level—National Councils of Churches

World Communion Level

A. 1867 Anglican Communion

B. 1875 World Communion of Reformed Churches

C. 1881 World Methodist Council

D. 1930 World Convention of Churches of Christ

E. 1947 Lutheran World Federation

The World Council of Churches Marks 70 Years in 2018

The WCC Meets in General Assembly Every Seven Years. The 10thGeneral Assembly of the World Council of Churches took place in Busan, South Korea, in October 2013.

The WCC is a worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. The WCC brings together churches, denominations and church fellowships in more than 110 countries and territories throughout the world, representing over 500 million Christians and including most of the world’s Orthodox churches, scores of Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches, as well as many United and Independent churches.